Ryzen 9 3900XT vs Xeon w5-2445

AMD

Ryzen 9 3900XT

12 Cores24 Thrd105 WWMax: 4.7 GHz2020
Ryzen family
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VS
Intel

Xeon w5-2445

10 Cores20 Thrd175 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2023
Similar parts
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Ryzen 9 3900XT vs Xeon w5-2445 Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Ryzen 9 3900XT vs Xeon w5-2445 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Ryzen 9 3900XT vs Xeon w5-2445: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Ryzen 9 3900XT

2020

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +11.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +143.8% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 26 MB).
  • Draws 105W instead of 175W, a 70W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon w5-2445, which brings 10 cores / 20 threads and 64 PCIe lanes.
  • Launch MSRP is still $499 MSRP, while Xeon w5-2445 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • Older platform position on AM4 with DDR4, while Xeon w5-2445 moves to LGA4677 and DDR5.

Xeon w5-2445

2023

Why buy it

  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 10 cores / 20 threads, plus 64 PCIe lanes vs 24.
  • Newer platform on LGA4677 with DDR5 support instead of AM4 and DDR4.
  • 166.7% more PCIe lanes (64 vs 24) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 9 3900XT across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (15,500 vs 18,400).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (26 MB vs 64 MB).
  • 66.7% higher power demand at 175W vs 105W.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 9 3900XT better than Xeon w5-2445?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon w5-2445 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Ryzen 9 3900XT is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Ryzen 9 3900XT is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 11.4% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen 9 3900XT is the stronger fit. You are getting 18.7% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 12 cores and 24 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 143.8% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 26 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen 9 3900XT is the better buy right now. Ryzen 9 3900XT comes in at an unclear MSRP at $499 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 11.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (65.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Xeon w5-2445 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2020), a healthier platform with LGA4677 and DDR5 instead of AM4, and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Ryzen 9 3900XT vs Xeon w5-2445 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

AMD

Ryzen 9 3900XT

The Ryzen 9 3900XT is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 July 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Matisse 2 (2020) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 32,512 points. Launch price was $499.

Intel

Xeon w5-2445

The Xeon w5-2445 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 February 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 26.25 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 175 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 32,213 points. Launch price was $839.

Processing Power

The Ryzen 9 3900XT packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Xeon w5-2445 offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Ryzen 9 3900XT has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.7 GHz on the Ryzen 9 3900XT versus 4.6 GHz on the Xeon w5-2445 — a 2.2% clock advantage for the Ryzen 9 3900XT (base: 3.8 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Ryzen 9 3900XT uses the Matisse 2 (2020) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Xeon w5-2445 uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 9 3900XT scores 32,512 against the Xeon w5-2445's 32,213 — a 0.9% lead for the Ryzen 9 3900XT. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 18,400 vs 15,500 (17.1% advantage for the Ryzen 9 3900XT). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,750 vs 1,822, a 4% lead for the Xeon w5-2445 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 10,500 vs 10,719 (2.1% advantage for the Xeon w5-2445). L3 cache: 64 MB on the Ryzen 9 3900XT vs 26.25 MB on the Xeon w5-2445.

FeatureRyzen 9 3900XTXeon w5-2445
Cores / Threads
12 / 24+20%
10 / 20
Boost Clock
4.7 GHz+2%
4.6 GHz
Base Clock
3.8 GHz+23%
3.1 GHz
L3 Cache
64 MB+144%
26.25 MB
L2 Cache
512K (per core)+25500%
2 MB (per core)
Process
7 nm, 12 nm
Intel 7 nm
Architecture
Matisse 2 (2020)
Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024)
PassMark
32,512
32,213
Cinebench R23 Multi
18,400+19%
15,500
Geekbench 6 Single
1,750
1,822+4%
Geekbench 6 Multi
10,500
10,719+2%
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen 9 3900XT uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon w5-2445 uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 9 3900XT versus DDR5-4800 on the Xeon w5-2445 — the Xeon w5-2445 supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon w5-2445 supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB 1500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Ryzen 9 3900XT) vs 4 (Xeon w5-2445). PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 9 3900XT) vs 64 (Xeon w5-2445) — the Xeon w5-2445 offers 40 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X570,B550,X470,B450 (Ryzen 9 3900XT) and W790 (Xeon w5-2445).

FeatureRyzen 9 3900XTXeon w5-2445
Socket
AM4
LGA4677
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0
PCIe 5.0+25%
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-3200
DDR5-4800+50%
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
2048 GB+1500%
RAM Channels
2
4+100%
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
24
64+167%
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen 9 3900XT has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Xeon w5-2445 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen 9 3900XT) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon w5-2445). Primary use case: Ryzen 9 3900XT targets Workstation / Enthusiast Gaming, Xeon w5-2445 targets Professional Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 9 3900XT rivals Core i9-10900K; Xeon w5-2445 rivals Threadripper 7945WX.

FeatureRyzen 9 3900XTXeon w5-2445
Integrated GPU
No
No
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
No
Yes
Virtualization
AMD-V
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Workstation / Enthusiast Gaming
Professional Workstation